Southern Perspective – Grandview House by Ian Bennett Design Studio

Balancing a striking southern perspective with a warm internal character, Grandview House overcomes the limitations of its former self. Created by Ian Bennett Design Studio, the coastal home embodies the tactful renovation of a pre-existing family dwelling.

Situated on the southern side of the Mona Vale headland, Grandview House once existed as a cold and uninviting residence with only minimal access to sunlight. The collaboration between Ian Bennett Design Studio and the clients – one of whom leads Northern Beaches Constructions – sees the home transformed into a light-filled retreat, capitalising on views of Mona Vale Beach, Long Reef and Manly. The design brief enabled great creative freedom, only stipulating an open plan residence with maximal solar penetration; well-suited to family living.

Grandview House stands as an intuitive response to its site, effortlessly capturing natural light and inspiring southern views.

Entering Grandview House through the large pivot door, residents are greeted with a glimpse of the impressive southern views to come. A walkway bridge sits above, delineating two voids which allow sunlight to stream into the home. Further into the residence, the kitchen-living-dining area flows towards the external southern aspect. Upstairs, two children’s bedrooms branch off from the bridge, whilst the southern side of the house encloses a master suite, ensuite and an additional children’s bedroom.

Originally, Grandview House featured a curved form and occupied just under 450 square metres. Ian Bennett Design Studio reconfigures the two-storey home to propose a more comfortable and liberating residential experience. An open plan format expands the visual field, softening the sense of transition between spaces and encouraging residents to roam the property. The rejuvenating format also offers a broad, architectural canvas for fascinating projections of sunlight. Voids crafted to the east and west draw natural light into the home – as do apertures inserted into the awning – with louvre windows maximising cross-ventilation.

With a limited materiality, Grandview House champions a robust palette that responds to the coastal climate.

With a limited materiality, Grandview House champions a robust palette that responds to the coastal climate. Off-form concrete withstands the erosive environment, maintaining the structural integrity of the home and presenting an elegant patina with time. The hard surface also offers a surprising degree of visual softness, justifying its use in a family dwelling. Black aluminium is also featured, alongside characterful Caesarstone: highlighted in the kitchen. Conceived together, the three materials suggest a luxurious yet unpretentious home that engages residents through its tactile character.

Crafting authoritatively in a coastal location, Ian Bennett Design Studio nods towards its working history in the Northern Beaches region. Grandview House stands as an intuitive response to its site, effortlessly capturing natural light and inspiring southern views.